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Summer Music Festival & School
- Perform and study in 8 weeks of concerts & masterclasses
- Learn from the top teaching artists in the field
- Create a lifelong network of exceptional artists
Sing!
- Free choral program for grades 1-9
- Foster a lifelong love for listening to and making music
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1. Apply
Apply Here, Your life-changing experience at one of the top performance festivals in the country is waiting.
2. Attend
Get poured into by worldclass staff and teaching artists here in beautiful Santa Barbara, CA.
3. Connect
Create a lifelong network of exceptional artists.
4. Leave a Lasting Mark
We are focusted on cultivating artists of impact. What will yours be?
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805-969-8787
ticketoffice@musicacademy.org
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Nate Bachhuber
Chief Artistic Officer
Music Academy Chief Artistic Officer effective February of 2024, Nate Bachhuber has been recognized for his collaborative and strategic approach to artistic planning. His work as Artistic Administrator of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, and Artistic Advisor for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra has had a significant impact on the field of orchestral music. With experience in public relations and digital strategy at Carnegie Hall and degrees in voice and opera from the Curtis Institute of Music, Bachhuber’s career has been marked by creativity and thoughtful innovation.
In his role with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Bachhuber contributed to artistic plans for the 2025 reopening of Powell Hall following a multi-season expansion and renovation. As Vice President of Artistic Planning for the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Pops and May Festival, Bachhuber contemporized and diversified programming. In partnership with Music Director Louis Langrée and CSO musician leadership, he launched groundbreaking series and impactful initiatives. During the CSO's 125th Anniversary Season his experience in the digital sphere became evident, steering the CSO’s innovative digital efforts into the modern age.
As Artistic Administrator of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Bachhuber played a vital role in programming and commissioning efforts. He contributed to the success of the LA Phil’s 2017 Reykjavík Festival and in collaboration with LA Phil Creative Chair John Adams, launched the Noon to Midnight Festival in addition to his role leading artistic planning efforts for the LA Phil’s Hollywood Bowl, Green Umbrella, and additional series.
Nate is excited about returning to Southern California with his family. He looks forward to engaging Santa Barbara’s vibrant communities through music and, with his colleagues, expanding the Music Academy’s future artistic impact.